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Overview

One of the USA’s most prestigious public research universities, University at Buffalo (UB) boasts world-renowned scholars and lecturers that have been given some of the most illustrious awards within their field of work. A 13:1 student to faculty ratio means students can expect to get a lot of one-to-one time with the staff.

UB offers a wide range of research and internship opportunities, which give students the chance to expand their knowledge and prepare for a job as soon as they graduate. 94% of recent UB graduates are in graduate school, employed or in service, making it a great choice for graduate outcomes.

Consistently ranked as one of the institutions in the USA that is best value for money, UB gave out over USD 340 million in scholarships and financial aid in the last academic year. It estimates that one in four students are awarded a merit scholarship in their first year.

UB is part of the Association of American Universities, a group of distinguished research institutions that are dedicated to upholding a strong academic research system in the USA. The university spends almost USD 349 million every year on research, trying to find cures for diseases, create smarter computers and other innovative improvements.

With a strong international student body, over 300 student clubs to join and plenty of sports teams competing at NCAA Division 1 level, there is plenty of opportunity for international students to make UB their second home. With New York City and Canada not far away, Buffalo is a brilliant base from which to explore the delights of North America.

Average tuition fees per year

US$24,540

US$22,520

Costs per year

Living costs

US$15,065

Campus accommodation

US$9,198

What's new

University at Buffalo is constantly improving, with new research projects and courses for students to benefit from.

University at Buffalo is renowned for its world-leading research. Recent and upcoming research undertaken at UB includes studies into making robots smarter, which worked to improve AI systems by teaching them physics. A UB researcher undertook work on the controversy around ADHD treatment, whilst geologists at the university have been working on why lava-water interactions are so violent, using homemade lava. UB researchers also worked on studies into economic recovery after natural disasters. Upcoming research at UB includes a partnership with the Center for Discovery to do significant research on autism and other complex developmental disabilities.

UB’s online course programs were recognized by U.S. News as being amongst the best in the country. The online program from the School of Nursing was ranked in the top 10, whilst the course from the Graduate School of Education was in the top 25 nationally. It is also the highest ranked for these courses in New York State.

New facilities at the university include new learning spaces in the North and South campuses to meet the demands of more students.

Teaching quality

At UB, professors are committed to student-centred learning, and lead by example to make sure students are ready to graduate. UB has more than 2,200 teachers, all highly trained and qualified, who are amongst the very best in their fields. This has led to national and international recognition for teaching standards at UB, and the university is also known for its outstanding research, which works to improve knowledge and quality of life across the world.

Faculty members have won prestigious national and international awards, which include the National Medal of Science, National Medal of Technology, as well as the MacArthur Foundation “genius award,” and Guggenheim Fellowships, the Nobel Prize and the Pulitzer Prize.

Despite being a large university, it maintains a ratio of 13:1 for students to faculty members, and 75% of its classes have less than 50 students. Teachers can devote more time and attention to individual students, ensuring success for each one.

Whilst research is very important amongst faculty, teaching is just as important. Over 180 UB teachers have been recognized with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Undergraduate students are crucial to research undertaken by faculty members. This means students can get first-hand experience of brand-new technologies and methodologies, and can contribute their own ideas. Working closely with renowned scholars in classes, labs and field work is a unique and vital experience.

UB also has a number of programs to help students get the most out of their faculty, including Discovery Seminars and the Experiential Learning Network.

Department structure

The School of Architecture and Planning

The only architecture school in the SUNY system, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs.

College of Arts and Sciences

UB’s largest faculty, it includes humanities, arts, sciences and social sciences through 25 departments, 21 centers, and includes two art galleries as well as performance venues.

College of Dental Medicine

Amongst the top dental schools in the country, it has a long history of leadership in the dental research field.

Graduate School of Education

Students learn the science of learning, counselling and leadership, and can study towards New York State teaching certification.

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctorates through seven departments, it’s the largest public engineering school in New York State.

Law School

SUNY’s only law school, it is one of the most innovative schools in the country, with a reputation for interdisciplinary study.

School of Management

With an emphasis on real-world learning, it has been recognised by Forbes and Bloomberg Businessweek.

Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

With clinical experiences and training, its affiliation with hospitals gives Jacobs School an excellent reputation.

School of Nursing

With a range of courses on offer, the Nursing School has one of the best reputations in New York State.

School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The school is home to one of the top graduate programs in pharmaceutical science in the world.

School of Public Health and Health Professions

Using innovative research, students have the chance to have a global impact.

School of Social Work

The School’s master’s program is ranked amongst the top 10 nationally.

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Graduate Division

It offers five PhD programs and a master’s, preparing students for a career in cancer research.

Entry requirements

There is a university-wide set of admission requirements, though each department will also have its own terms.

Undergraduate admission

Admission is based on the quality of the applicant's secondary school academic record.

Applicants should have an ‘above average’ academic record at least equivalent to a "B" average (3.00 out of 4.00) including relevant academic preparation for the major they’re looking to study.

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), is encouraged but not required.

Copies of transcripts or other academic records should be submitted electronically. If the transcripts are not in English, certified translations must be attached.

English proficiency

All applicants who are not native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency in English with an exam to the following minimum scores:

Internet-based TOEFL Test (iBT) – 70.

SAT I Verbal (ERWS) – 500.

IELTS – 6.0.

ACT (English and Reading) – 18.

Applicants with scores below the minimum may be considered on a conditional basis.

Postgraduate admission

Academic criteria

Most postgraduate programs will ask for the following academic qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree (or higher) or the equivalent from an accredited / government recognized university.

B average or higher from the bachelor’s degree (or the equivalent).

Many programs ask applicants to take an additional exam, a standardized postgraduate or professional admission exam and most will ask for letters of recommendation, personal statements, written samples and resumes.

English proficiency

Students will also have to demonstrate their English language ability. The minimum TOEFL score for admission is set by the department, though the standard university minimum TOEFL score is 550 paper-based, or 79 internet-based. The standard university minimum for the IELTS is 6.5 (with no section below 6.0).

Scholarships & funding

With low tuition fees and affordable costs, UB offers a great value education for students. Students can pay in instalments to make the cost of university more manageable.

There are a number of scholarships available which are especially directed at international students.

The International Admissions Scholarship awards can vary from USD 2000 up to full tuition costs per academic year, and can be renewed for up to four years, dependent on academic qualification. It can also be combined with any other scholarships available at UB, and from external and private funding sources. It is open to freshmen students who are enrolling for the first time, and who apply in the fall. Students do not need to submit an additional application, but must submit their university application before April 15th to qualify.

There are also athletic scholarships available for a number of different sports.

For students who want to earn extra money whilst they study, there are a number of opportunities to work on campus, which is permittable under student visa rules.

Facilities

Set across three campuses, each location has a different feel and spirit.

The North Campus, where most of the academic programs at the university are offered, opened in the early 1970s. It includes state-of-the-art learning spaces, the Student Union, athletic venues and on-campus housing. It’s set in green space, parks and woods.

The South Campus is based in North Buffalo and the 153-acre site is home to classic ivy-covered buildings, as well as more on-campus housing. It is home to the schools of Architecture and Planning, Nursing, Dental Health, Public Health and Health Professions.

The Downtown Campus is the newest campus and is home to the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in new state-of-the-art buildings completed in 2017.

Housing

Students can choose to live in on-campus or off-campus housing. All students at UB are given the option to choose to live on campus and it is assigned on a first-served basis. Living on-campus can be a great choice, especially for international students, as you are part of a community and close to classes, dining halls and support services. All halls of residence also have special study spaces for studying, tutoring and shared study. It is also very safe to live on campus. If students choose to live off-campus, the university can offer advice and support to make sure they get the most out of this experience.

Sports

With a number of competitive teams, as well as recreational teams that students can join, the University at Buffalo has a wide range of sports facilities. This includes the Alumni Arena, housing the NCAA division teams, a dance studio, gym, fitness center, jogging track, pool and racquetball courts.

Dining

There are a number of places students can eat on campus, with a range of culinary options. There is a variety of options on each campus, many of them open every day of the week and late at night.